At Lucas County Children Services (LCCS), our mission is clear: to ensure every child in Lucas County is safe, supported, and nurtured in a stable family environment. As the public child protection agency for our community, we investigate reports of child abuse, neglect, and dependency—and work every day to protect our county’s most vulnerable population: its children.
Why LCCS Matters to You and Our Community
The safety and well-being of children is a community responsibility, and LCCS is here to serve as both a protector and a partner. Here’s how we work to make Lucas County a safer place for children and families:
- Protecting children from harm: When children are in danger, we intervene quickly to remove them from unsafe situations and safeguard their immediate and long-term well-being.
- Supporting families in crisis: We connect families facing challenges with vital services, including counseling, substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, and housing support, helping them heal and stay together when possible.
- Building stronger communities: By protecting children and supporting families, we contribute to a healthier, more stable, and educated community for everyone.
- Preparing youth for the future: Through foster care, independent living programs, and adoption services, we help young people grow into responsible adults—especially those who cannot safely return to their birth families.
- Partnering with community professionals: We collaborate closely with schools, hospitals, law enforcement, and other agencies to provide a coordinated and effective response to child safety concerns.
Without the work of LCCS, many children would remain unseen in dangerous situations. We are both the first line of defense and a source of healing for families in distress.
Why Your Involvement Matters
Many children who suffer abuse or neglect cannot ask for help themselves. That’s why we rely on community members like you—neighbors, teachers, health professionals, and family members—to notice the signs and report concerns.
A single phone call to LCCS can save a child’s life. Early intervention helps prevent long-term trauma and connects families to the support they need before problems worsen.
You can also support our work in many ways beyond reporting:
- Volunteer your time or donate to LCCS programs.
- Consider becoming a foster or adoptive parent.
- Help reduce stigma by encouraging community support for families under investigation.
When the community and LCCS work together, we build trust and improve outcomes—keeping more children safely with their families and strengthening family units.
What Happens When You Report a Concern?
If you suspect a child is in danger, please call our confidential hotline any time, day or night: 419-213-CARE (2273).
Here’s what happens after you make a report:
- Intake & Screening: Our trained staff carefully review every report to determine if it requires further investigation.
- Investigation: A caseworker visits the home, speaks with the child and family, and may consult teachers, doctors, and other trusted adults.
- Case Determination: We decide whether abuse or neglect has occurred and plan next steps—ranging from closing the case, offering voluntary support, to seeking court-ordered services.
- Ongoing Support: Families receive access to counseling, parenting classes, and other services to create safe and loving environments.
- Planning for Permanency: Every child deserves a permanent home—whether through reunification, guardianship with relatives, or adoption.
The Role of Foster and Kinship Caregivers
When children cannot safely remain at home, our compassionate foster parents and kinship caregivers step in to provide temporary care, stability, and connection to family.
Foster parents offer nurturing short-term homes, while kinship caregivers—often relatives or close family friends—help maintain children’s ties to their culture and roots. These caregivers play a critical role in helping children heal and thrive.
Working with Law Enforcement and the Courts
Protecting children often requires close collaboration with local police and the court system. In serious cases, law enforcement may remove a child immediately, while LCCS arranges safe placement and initiates court proceedings.
If legal intervention is needed, we may file petitions with Juvenile Court, provide testimony, and work with attorneys and Guardians ad Litem to ensure children’s best interests are prioritized.
How You Can Help Today
Every person in Lucas County has a role in protecting children. Here are ways you can make a difference:
| Action | How to Get Involved |
|---|---|
| Recognize Signs | Learn to identify abuse and neglect |
| Make a Report | Call 419‑213‑CARE (2273) anytime, 24/7 |
| Get Involved | Foster, adopt, volunteer, or donate |
| Spread Awareness | Educate others about child safety and reporting |
| Support Families | Offer kindness, connection, and community support |
How to file a Complaint, Grievance or Appeal
We understand navigating the child welfare system can be difficult. If you have complaints, grievances or appeals about our services, a neutral Grievance Officer is available to ensure your concerns are heard fairly. Visit, https://lucaskids.net/children-service-grievance-officer/
Join Us in Creating a Safer Lucas County
At LCCS, we believe every child deserves a safe, loving home. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, neighbor, or concerned citizen, your involvement matters.
If you suspect abuse or neglect, please don’t hesitate—call us at 419-213-CARE (2273) anytime.
Together, we can build a stronger, safer Lucas County for all our children.